A great variety of containers are suitable to use as a worm bin. Because we have a fairly large operation our bins are constructed from non-treated wood. If you choose to go this route, the only type of wood that we know to be unsuitable for building worm bins is cedar. Most folks have a bin made of a large plastic storage container like the one pictured above. This is an example of the bins we prepare and sell.
Our "Worms @ Work" bins are 24" long by 19" wide by 14
'" deep (approximately 61 cm. by 18.5 cm. by 36 cm.) The holes in the sides
for aeration are 1'" (2.5cm.) in diameter. The holes in the lid, again
for aeration, are 2.5" in diameter. The prepared bin contains suitable
bedding (dampened to the consistency of a wrung out sponge), worms, a small
garden fork , a spray bottle and instructions. With this kit you are ready to
start vermicomposting.
We do not put drainage holes in the bottom of our bins. Instead we tell our
clients to keep the moisture level correct by adding dry shredded newspaper
if too wet ,or spraying the bedding if too dry. This is what we practice in
our large bins in our garage.
If you wish you to put drainage holes in the bottom of the bin, they need to
be at least 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter, 8 to 10 of them. Then you need to
put a catch tray under the bin and suspend the bin on blocks or bricks above
the tray. The liquid that comes out is called leachate. IT IS NOT WORM TEA !
The tray needs to be drained on a regular basis because if left too long, the
liquid becomes anaerobic (no oxygen) and will smell. You can use the leachate
watered down 1 part leachate to 2 parts water. and then put on indoor or outdoor
plants. The dampness consistency needs to remain as described above and even
with drain holes you might need to add dry newspaper.
Alternately, you can build one of your own and just buy the worms from us. There are plans for building a worm bin is in the book “Worms Eat My Garbage" by Mary Appelhof. It is easy to find at your public library or from numerous on-line booksellers for about $20.
If you do want to build your own bin....
The most important facts to know about worm bins are that: they
must be aerated well, damp but not soggy, and not subject to extreme temperatures.
Getting a good mix of bedding is also cucial. (see below for suitable bedding
material). Optimal temperature range is 15 to 25 degrees C (59to 77 degrees
F). Worms can work in your basement at 10 degrees C (50F). These worms will
tolerate quite a wide range of temperatures but below freezing and above 30
degrees C ( 86F) will kill them. Remember that if the air temperature is higher
than 30 C the temperature of the bedding will be lower because of moisture evaporation
and ventilation.
BEDDING MATERIALS
Can include:
Shredded newspaper
Shredded cardboard
Shredded fall leaves
Chopped up straw
Sawdust (none from treated or painted wood, no cedar)
Dried grass clippings (not treated with fertilizer or pesticides)
Below is a "Worms @ Work" bin with fresh bedding
For More Information, Please contact us at